Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia: Multiflora Rose

Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora Thunberg)

Description of the United States. It has estab- Multiflora rose is a perennial, thorny lished itself in all but a dozen coun- shrub of medium height. Its arching ties of Virginia. The Virginia De- or trailing stems can root at the tip, partment of Agriculture and Con- forming dense thickets. The com- sumer Services has listed this plant pound leaves alternate along the as a noxious weed. stems; each leaf has 5-11 oval leaf- lets, the edges of which are toothed. Threats In late spring, multiflora rose Multiflora rose forms dense thick- blooms in tapering clusters of white ets which can choke out native plant flowers. As in other rose species, the species. These thickets act as living fruits are small, red hips. The seeds fences, impenetrable by man or large found in the hips of multiflora rose animals. Results from studies done are sought after by many different on multiflora rose suggest it is bird species during winter. highly competitive for soil nutrients.

Habitat Control Usually found in fields, pastures and Lightly infested areas may be along roadsides, multiflora rose can cleared with a shovel or grubbing also appear in dense forest where hoe provided the entire root is re- fallen trees have opened a gap in the moved. Severe infestations of mul- forest canopy. It is adaptable to a tiflora rose are effectively controlled wide range of environments but is by mowing or cutting. However, this not found in standing water or in treatment must be repeated 3-6 extremely dry habitats. times a year for 2-4 years. Applying a glyphosate herbicide directly to Distribution freshly cut stumps helps insure kill Multiflora rose is native to Asia and of the root system. This method is was brought to the United States most effective if done late in the from Japan in the 1880s by horti- growing season. Foliar application culturists. Later, wildlife managers of a glyphosate herbicide will also planted it for wildlife food and kill multiflora rose. Glyphosate her- cover. Once used for control of soil bicides are recommended because erosion and on highway medians to they are biodegradable. However, reduce headlight glare, multiflora glyphosate is a nonselective, sys- Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora rose is now found throughout most temic herbicide and will affect all Thunberg)

For more information, contact the Department of Conservation and Recreation or the Virginia Native Plant Society. Virginia Native Plant Society Blandy Experimental Farm 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Unit 2 Boyce, VA 22620 (540) 837-1600 217 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 786-7951; http://www.state.va.us/~dcr/vaher.html http://www.vnps.org Jim Gilmore, Governor • John Paul Woodley, Jr., Secretary of Natural Resources • David G. Brickley, Director, Department of Conservation and Recreation Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora Thunberg) green vegetation. To be safe and ef- treatments may be necessary for sev- cious, female plant for fruit). These fective, herbicide use requires care- eral years to remove plants sprout- species should be available at most ful knowledge of the chemicals, ap- ing from stems or seed. Seek the large nurseries and garden centers. propriate concentrations, and the advice of an agricultural extension effective method and timing of ap- agent or natural resource specialist References plication. Consult a natural resource before implementing this control Evans, J. and N. Ekhardt. 1987. Element specialist or agricultural extension method. Stewardship Abstract: Rosa multiflora. The agent for more information before Suggested Alternatives Nature Conservancy, Minneapolis. attempting any herbicide control Some native shrubs with attractive program. flowers and/or fruit production use- Szafoni, R. 1990. Vegetation Management Circular: Multiflora rose. Illinois Nature In some situations, a prescribed ful to wildlife include Carolina rose Preserves Commission, Charleston. burn during the early growing sea- (Rosa carolina), high-bush blue- son may be an appropriate method berry (Vaccinium corymbosum), Harvill, A., et al. 1992. Atlas of Virginia for controlling severe infestations of black haw (Viburnum prunifolia), Flora. Virginia Botanical Association, Burkesville. multiflora rose. As with mechani- winterberry (Ilex verticillata) and cal control methods, follow-up burn American holly (Ilex opaca) (dioe- Illustration by Donna Smith

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